United States Existing Sales Up 1.5%, Momentum Builds

Regional Sales Performance

Despite varying regional dynamics, the overall trend in the United States' existing home sales shows distinct shifts across different areas.

The Northeast performance is remarkable, with sales increasing by 2.1% month-over-month. This results in an annual rate of 490,000 homes. Median prices in the Northeast experienced a notable increase, rising by 7.6% to $472,900.

The Midwest experienced a decline, with sales dropping by 2.1%. This affects an annual rate of 940,000 homes.

In contrast, the South maintains stability, evidenced by a 1.6% rise. This translates to a robust annual rate of 1.86 million homes.

Meanwhile, the West exhibited significant growth, with sales surging by 5.5%. This leads to an annual rate of 770,000 homes. Mortgage rates decreasing contributed to improved housing affordability across many regions, playing a role in these sales shifts.

These trends reflect the broader adjustments occurring within the housing market. They highlight varying levels of demand and recovery across regions.

Inventory Trends and Supply Levels

Inventory trends within the U.S. housing market are showing notable growth, with total housing inventory reaching an impressive 1.55 million units by September 2025. This 14% increase year-over-year positions the inventory at a five-year high. However, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. The national supply of unsold homes now equates to a 4.6-month supply. This reflects ongoing constraints but signals incremental inventory increases. Demand remains suppressed by high mortgage rates, which are expected to ease only slightly to 6.7% by year-end. More options for buyers emerge as the share of metro areas classified as buyer’s markets rises. Markets like Miami and Austin display heightened buyer leverage. This contrasts with buyer-limiting regions like New York. The crisis has intensified in a majority of major U.S. counties, as home prices and land costs have been rising faster than wages for years. Rippling effects from speculative and new home construction also bolster inventory growth. However, supply still teeters below historical highs. This emphasizes gradual normalization yet incomplete market balance.

Housing Price Dynamics

The housing market in the United States shows significant potential shifts. Rising inventory levels are directly influencing housing price dynamics. A unique price inversion is occurring. Median new home prices have fallen below those of existing homes, marking a market anomaly. This inversion is driven by the high inventory of new homes, which total 481,000 units. This figure far surpasses average levels since 2007. Despite national home prices showing a modest annual growth of 1.7% in September 2025, regional disparities are evident. California's middle-tier prices are more than twice the national median. In contrast, West Virginia maintains the lowest average housing prices. A cooling market has led to slower price momentum, even in positive trends. This reflects a possible equilibrium forming in the market. Affordability challenges are underscored by elevated mortgage rates. These rates are significantly impacting homeownership costs. Moreover, the current housing inventory surge indicates a marked shift, with a 45% YoY increase not seen in over two decades.

Economic Influences on the Housing Market

In an environment marked by economic uncertainty, a constellation of factors profoundly influences the U.S. housing market.

Volatility in interest rates continues to challenge buyer confidence. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate exceeded 7% in early 2025. This fluctuation, paired with sticky inflation, underscores the precarious balance in the housing sector.

Approximately $929 billion of CRE mortgages are set to mature in 2024, posing additional strain on the financial market. As construction costs climb, they contribute to higher home prices. This further dampens buyer enthusiasm and demand.

Economic indicators, such as fluctuations in GDP and a strong labor market, also influence consumer spending patterns related to housing.

The complex interplay of these variables highlights the hurdles the housing market must traverse. Continued economic resilience is vital for momentum to build in this space.

Assessment

The United States housing market has seen a 1.5% increase in existing home sales. However, regional disparities have become more pronounced.

Inventory constraints continue, affecting supply levels and influencing price dynamics. Economic factors, such as interest rates and inflation, add complexity to the market.

These factors are impacting buyer decisions. The market's momentum indicates potential shifts in future trends.

This situation requires close attention from investors and professionals. Understanding these variables is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape.

Informed real estate decisions hinge on grasping these dynamics. It's essential for anyone involved in the market to stay updated.

https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/united-states-existing-sales-up-1-5-percent-momentum-builds/?fsp_sid=20217